Journal, June 1756: Volume 63

Journal, June 1756

Tuesday, June 1. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Talbot, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Rigby, Mr. Hamilton.

Plantations General.

Read an Order of Council, dated May 27th, 1756, approving a representation of this Board proposing that an additional instruction might be sent to the governors of his Majesty's colonies in America to hinder all correspondence between his Majesty's subjects and those of the French king, and directing that additional instructions be prepared accordingly.

The draughts of additional instructions to the several governors of his Majesty's colonies in America having been prepared, conformable to the said order, were agreed to; and a representation to his Majesty thereupon was signed.

Read a letter from Mr. Clevland, Secretary to the Lords of the Admiralty, in answer to one from Mr. Pownall of the 19th of last month, inclosing copies of instructions which relate to colours to be worn by private ships of war, and to the granting of letters of marque, etc.

Ordered, that the said letter be taken into consideration when the copy of the Commission mentioned therein shall be received from the Admiralty.

Newfoundland.

Read an Order of the Lords of the Committee of Council for Plantation Affairs, dated May 20th, 1756, referring to this Board the petition of Worthington Brice, praying that his Majesty would grant to him and his associates the necessary powers for digging and working all mines he shall discover in the Island of Newfoundland.

Ordered, that the Secretary do give notice to the petitioner to attend the Board on Tuesday, the 15th instant.

Trade.

Sweden.

Their lordships took into further consideration the project of the Treaty of Commerce with the King of Prussia, and made some progress therein.

Wednesday, June 2. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Talbot, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Rigby, Mr. Hamilton.

Trade.

Sweden.

Read a letter from Dr. George Hay, his Majesty's (late) Advocate General, dated the 31st of May, 1756, in answer to one from Mr. Pownall, inclosing overtures to his Majesty from the King of Prussia, for settling a commercial correspondence between the subjects of the two Crowns; sending back the project of a Treaty with the King of Prussia.

Ordered, that the Secretary do transmit a copy of the said project of a Treaty with the King of Prussia to Doctor Simpson, appointed Advocate General in the room of Doctor Hay, and desire he would favor the Board with such observation as shall occur to him thereupon.

Virginia.

Read a letter from Mr. Dinwiddie, Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, to the Board, without date, relating to a dispute between William Beverley and Philip Ludwell, Esquires, concerning precedency at the Council Board there.

Nova Scotia.

The Secretary laid before the Board a memorial prepared by Mr. Parker in behalf of Mr. Kilby, agent for the affairs of Nova Scotia, to be presented to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, praying that four thousand, seven hundred and forty six pounds and seven shillings may be issued to him upon account to discharge a warrant directed to him to pay William Baker, Esquire, for provisions supplied the troops there, and to pay bills drawn upon him by the Governor, and the said memorial having been approved, Mr. Parker was ordered to present it to the Lords Commissioners of his Majesty's Treasury for their directions upon it.

Friday, June 4. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Talbot, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Rigby, Mr. Hamilton.

Trade.

Prussia.

Read a letter from George Amyand, Esquire, dated this day, acquainting the Board at the request and in the name of the principal merchants, trading to the East country and the dominions of the King of Prussia, that they had had a meeting in consequence of their attendance upon the Board on Friday last, to consider of the project of the Treaty of Commerce with the King of Prussia, but could not be ready to lay before their lordships their observations upon it until after the holidays.

Ordered, that the Secretary do acquaint Mr. Amyand that the Board will be ready to hear what they may have to offer upon it on Tuesday the 15th instant.

Tuesday, June 15. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Talbot, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Hamilton.

Trade.

Prussia.

Read a letter from Dr. Simpson, his Majesty's Advocate General, dated June 14th, 1756, with his observations (in answer to Mr. Pownall's letter) on the project of the Treaty of Commerce proposed on the part of the King of Prussia, and inclosing:
Copy of the instructions given to Privateers in 1702, drawn pursuant to the Treaty with Sweden in 1661, and the Convention with Denmark in 1691.

The Secretary having acquainted the Board that several of the merchants, trading to the East country and to the dominions of the King of Prussia, were attending without, they were called in, and presented to the Board the following paper, which was read, viz.:—
Observations upon the project of a Treaty of Commerce between the Crowns of Prussia and Great Britain, submitted to the consideration of the Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, by the merchants to whom it was referred.

Trade.

Prussia.

The merchants further submitted, whether, in case a Treaty of Commerce with the King of Prussia should be entred into, it might not be convenient to stipulate,
That all his Britannic Majesty's subjects residing in any part of his Prussian Majesty's dominions shall be exempt from having soldiers quartered in their houses, or be subject to any tax or assessment in consideration of such exemption.
That his Majesty's the King of Prussia shall not require or suffer any greater taxes to be demanded upon any goods, wares or merchandize whatsoever of the growth, product or manufacture of the dominions belonging to Great Britain, than what shall be paid upon goods of the like nature and quality imported into his dominions from any other the most favoured country.

They further observed, that the name of the King of Prussia was placed first in this project, and that from the words in the first article pour seconder un but aussi salutaire etc., it appeared as if the proposition had first been made on the part of his Majesty; they also take notice that the words, pourvu que les passions et les vues particulieres n'y ayent point de part, in the third article, appeared to them to be unnecessary, and might give occasion to dispute.

They then observed that the exports to Prussia were very inconsiderable, the whole amount of the woollen goods imported into all parts of the dominions of the King of Prussia in the year 1753 being no more than four thousand pounds; and that woollens in general were loaded with such heavy duties as almost to amount to a prohibition.

The merchants having nothing further to offer, withdrew.

Ordered, that the Secretary do transmit copies of the 15th article of the project of the Treaty of Commerce with the King of Prussia to the united Company of merchants trading to the East Indies, and to the Committee of the Company of Merchants trading to Africa; and desire they would favor the Board with their opinion how far the same is consistent with the interests of his Majesty's trading subjects in general, and with the rights and interest of the respective companies in particular.

Newfoundland.

Their lordships took into consideration an Order of the Lords of the Committee of Council for Plantation Affairs, mentioned in the minutes of the 1st instant, referring to the Board the petition of Worthington Brice, praying for leave to discover and work mines in Newfoundland, and the petitioner attending without was called in, and produced to their lordships several sorts of ore, which he alledged was brought from thence by persons employed by him, and also some copper extracted from the said ore; he acquainted their lordships at the same time that he had lately sent out some other persons to make further discovery; whereupon their lordships proposed to him to postpone the further consideration of his petition, until the return of these persons, and until he was better satisfied of the probability of succeeding in an undertaking of this sort; in which he acquiesced, and desired that his petition might be considered as a caveat against any proceedings upon any other application of this kind, that might be made without giving him an opportunity of being heard, and then he withdrew.

Wednesday, June 16. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Talbot, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Rigby, Mr. Hamilton.

Trade.

Prussia.

Their lordships took into consideration the project of a Treaty of Commerce with the King of Prussia, and made some progress therein.

Thursday, June 17. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Talbot, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Rigby, Mr. Hamilton.

Nova Scotia.

Virginia.

Read a letter from Messrs. Lidderdale and Co., merchants of Bristol, dated June 14th, 1756, acquainting the Board with their expectation of the arrival in that port of three hundred of the French neutrals that have been transported from Nova Scotia to Virginia.

A letter to Mr. Fox, one of his Majesty's principal Secretaries of State, inclosing a copy of the said letter, was signed.

Trade.

Prussia.

Their lordships took into further consideration the project of a Treaty of Commerce with the King of Prussia, and made some progress therein.

Ordered, that the Secretary do write to Dr. Simpson, his Majesty's Advocate General, to acquaint him that their lordships desire the favour of some conversation with him on the subject of the said project on Tuesday morning next at 12 o'clock.

The Secretary acquainted the Board, that the Committee of the Company of Merchants trading to Africa had desired him to move their lordships for a copy of the said project, that they may be the better enabled to report to their lordships their opinion upon the 15th article, which has reference to other parts of the project.

Ordered, that the Secretary do transmit a copy of the said project to the Committee.

Tuesday, June 22. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Talbot, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Rigby, Mr. Hamilton.

Virginia.

Read a letter from Mr. Fox, one of his Majesty's principal Secretaries of State, dated the 18th instant, in answer to the Board's letter of the 17th, relative to the 300 French neutrals expected at Bristol from Virginia.

Trade.

Prussia.

Dr. Simpson, his Majesty's Advocate General, attending as desired, was called in, and the observation of the merchants, and also his report, upon the project of a Treaty of Commerce with the King of Prussia being read, their lordships had some conversation with him upon several points therein contained; and then he withdrew; and their lordships made a further progress in the consideration of this affair.

Georgia.

Read a letter from Mr. Reynolds, Governor of Georgia, to the Board, dated March 29th, 1756, complaining of the conduct and behaviour of the Council and Assembly, and transmitting:—
Copy of the Minutes of Council of Georgia from December 19th, 1755, to March 20th, 1756, inclusive.
Copy of the Journal of the Council in Assembly from the 2nd to the 19th of February, 1756, inclusive.
Copy of the Minutes of the Lower House of Assembly of Georgia from February 2nd to February 19th, 1756.
Account of the expences of distributing the Indian presents at Augusta in December, 1755.
Account of vessels entred and cleared from December 25th, 1755, to March 25th, 1756.

Mr. Martyn, agent for the affairs of the colony, attending without, was called in, and communicated to the Board several letters from his correspondents in Georgia, relating to the disordered state of that colony, and the improper behaviour of Mr. Little, the Governor's Secretary, several of which were read; and then he withdrew.

Wednesday, June 23. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Talbot, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Rigby, Mr. Hamilton.

Georgia.

Their lordships took into further consideration the state of affairs in his Majesty's colony of Georgia, and several private letters produced by Mr. Martyn, agent for the colony, were read, as also the minutes of Council there relating to the complaints made by them against Mr. Little, the Governor's Secretary.

Thursday, June 24. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Talbot, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Rigby, Mr. Hamilton.

Trade.

Prussia.

Their lordships made a further progress in the consideration of the project of a Treaty of Commerce with the King of Prussia.

Read a letter from Mr. Robert James, Secretary to the Directors of the united Company of merchants trading to the East Indies, dated the 23rd of June, 1756, acquainting the Secretary, for the information of the Board, that the 15th article of the project of the Treaty of Commerce with the King of Prussia transmitted to them had been referred to the consideration of a Committee, upon whose report the Court of Directors would immediately transmit their sentiments to their lordships.

Plantations General.

Read a letter from Edmond Atkin, Esquire, agent for the affairs of the Indians in the Southern district of North America, dated June, 1756, desiring instructions for his conduct; that circular letters may be wrote to the governors in his district recommending to them several points relating to his Commission; and that money may be issued to him for presents to the Indians.

Mr. Atkin attending without was called in, and their lordships observed to him that it would be impracticable for them to give him any particular instructions for the regulation of his conduct in the execution of his office, not having sufficient information with respect to the state of Indian affairs, whereon to found such instructions; that it would also be improper, as by his Commission he is directed to act under the immediate orders of the Commander in Chief of his Majesty's Forces in North America, from whom therefore he must receive such instructions.

That as to the presents for the Indians which he desires, that too must be left to the discretion of the Commander in Chief, who has had money impressed to him for that purpose, and who would doubtless upon application furnish him with whatever might be necessary for that service.

That as to a circular letter being wrote to the several governors within his district, their lordships thought it very proper and reasonable, and would give directions accordingly.

Mr. Atkin being withdrawn, the Secretary was ordered to prepare the draught of a circular letter to the Governors of Virginia, North and South Carolina and Georgia, acquainting them with Mr. Atkin's appointment, recommending to them to do everything in their power to promote and facilitate the service he is employed in; and to take the opportunity of consulting with him, what may be proper to be done for putting Indian affairs upon a proper foot; and to recommend to their Councils and Assemblies to pass such laws as shall, upon the result of their deliberation, appear to be necessary for that purpose.

Nova Scotia.

Read a letter from Charles Lawrence, Esquire, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board, dated Halifax, April 28th, 1756, relating to the present state of that province, and transmitting:—
List of Bills drawn on Christopher Kilby, Esquire, on account of the Government of Nova Scotia from February 1st, 1755, to April 29th, 1756.
List of accompts, etc., of stores and provisions.
Account of Colonel Hopson's regiment, victualled between August 11th, 1755, and 21st March, 1756.
General account of provisions received and issued to settlers in the province of Nova Scotia between 21st February and the 30th of November following, 1755.
Thomas Saul, Esquire, his account of provisions with John Cunningham, on account of the settlers at Lunenburg in the province of Nova Scotia between September 8th and November 30th, 1755.
Contingent account for victualling settlers and military in Nova Scotia between February 24th and November 30th, 1755.
Accompt of provisions received from Messrs. Apthorp, etc., of Boston, towards victualling Governor Shirley's provincial regiment at Chignecto to August 17th, 1755, inclusive.
General account of provisions received and issued on account of the augmentation of Colonel Hopson's regiment between February 24th and November 30th, 1755.
Account of victualling 360 men at Annapolis Royal, etc., on Mr. Woodford's contract between February 24th and November 30th, 1755.
General account of dry stores received and issued between February 24th and November 30th, 1755.
Governor's order for Mr. Saul to receive the provisions found in the French forts at Chignecto, etc.
Account of provisions issued to the French inhabitants shipt out of the province of Nova Scotia, 1755.
Minutes of the Committee of Council appointed to audit Mr. Saul's accompts, etc., between February 24th and November 30th, 1755.
List of settlers victualled at Halifax and Lunenburg between September 8th and November 30th, 1755.
List of settlers victualled at Halifax and Lunenburg in the province of Nova Scotia between June 30th and September 7th, 1755.
Naval office lists of ships and vessels entred and cleared at the port of Halifax between July 1st and December 31st, 1755.

Ordered, that the draught of a letter in answer to Mr. Lawrence's letter be prepared.

Barbados.

Read a letter from Mr. Fox, one of his Majesty's principal Secretaries of State, dated June 18th, 1756, inclosing:—
Letter from Ralph Weekes, Esquire, President of the Council of Barbados, to the Right Honourable Henry Fox, Esquire, dated March 10th, 1756.
Copy of minute of Council of 21st of January, 1756, relating to Judge Fairchild.
Copy of minute of Council of February 27th, 1756, relating to Judge Fairchild.

Pennsylvania.

Read a certificate from the King's Remembrancer's Office, dated June 18th, 1756, that security had been given for William Denny, Esquire, Lieutenant Governor of the province of Pennsylvania, observing the laws of trade.

Ordered, that a draught of instructions for the Proprietaries relating to the observance of the laws of trade be prepared in the usual form.

Tuesday, June 29. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Talbot, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Rigby.

Nova Scotia.

The Secretary laid before the Board the following memorials prepared by Mr. Parker, in behalf of Mr. Kilby, agent for Nova Scotia, to be presented to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, viz.:—
Memorial of Mr. Parker in behalf of Mr. Kilby, agent for Nova Scotia, praying that the sum of ten thousand pounds may be issued to him to discharge a bill drawn upon the agent by Mr. Lawrence, Governor of Nova Scotia, for his Majesty's especial service; and that the sum of seventeen thousand, one hundred and fifty five pounds, eighteen shillings and four pence, already received and paid in discharge of former bills drawn for such special services, may be charged in such a manner as not to interfere with the particular appropriation and grant of Parliament for the current service of the year.
Memorial of Mr. Parker in behalf of Mr. Kilby, agent for Nova Scotia, praying that the sum of nine thousand pounds may be issued to him to discharge bills drawn upon the said agent for the ordinary and current service of the year 1756.

The said memorials having been approved of, Mr. Parker was directed to present them to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury for their Lordships' directions thereupon.

Plantations General.

The draught of a circular letter to the governors of Virginia, North and South Carolina and Georgia, acquainting them with Mr. Atkin's appointment to be agent for Indian affairs to the southward, and recommending to them to give him all proper aid and support, having been prepared pursuant to the preceding minutes, was agreed to and ordered to be transcribed.

Nova Scotia.

The draught of a letter to Charles Lawrence, Esquire, Governor of Nova Scotia, in answer to one from him, having been prepared pursuant to the preceding minutes, was agreed to and ordered to be transcribed.

Georgia.

Their lordships took into consideration the state of affairs in his Majesty's colony of Georgia, and Mr. Kellet, the Provost Marshall, who lately arrived from thence, attending without, he was called in; and their lordships, after some discourse with him upon the general state of affairs there, directed him to put into writing what he had to offer thereupon, and to lay it before the Board as soon as possible; and then he withdrew.

Wednesday, June 30. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Talbot, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Rigby.

South Carolina.

Read a letter from Mr. Boddington, one of the officers of the Board of Ordnance, to the Secretary to this Board, dated the 25th of June, 1756, desiring that their lordships would favour the Board of Ordnance with their opinion upon an application made by Mr. Beswick, merchant, for leave to export arms and ammunition to South Carolina for the Indian trade, how far it might be adviseable to comply with his request.

Mr. Beswick attending without was called in, and produced to their lordships a letter from his correspondents in South Carolina concerning the said arms and ammunition, and setting forth the great want thereof to supply the Indians; and then he withdrew.

Ordered, that the Secretary do acquaint Mr. Boddington for the information of the Board of Ordnance, that their lordships see no reason why Mr. Beswick's request may not be complied with, unless the exportation of those arms and ammunition may interfere with the demands on account of the public service.

Georgia.

The Earl of Halifax communicated to the Board the following letter, which was read, viz.:—
Letter from Jonathan Bryan, one of the Council in Georgia, to the Earl of Halifax, dated April 5th, 1756, relating to the bad situation of affairs in that colony.

Virginia.

Read a letter from Mr. Dinwiddie, Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, to the Board, dated March 20th, 1756, complaining of Lewis Burwell, Esquire, the President, for neglect of his duty at the Council Board, and recommending persons fit to supply vacancies there, and transmitting:—
Minutes of Council from October 27th to November 8th, 1755.

A representation to his Majesty proposing that Philip Ludwell Lee, Esquire, may be appointed of the Council of Virginia in the room of William Beverley, Esquire, deceased, was signed.

Ordered, that the Secretary do transmit to the Secretary to the Postmaster General, an extract of Mr. Dinwiddie's letter, so far as relates to the want of proper regulation in the Post Office in America.

Barbados.

Read a letter from Ralph Weekes, Esquire, President of the Council and Commander in Chief of Barbados, to the Board, dated March 10th, 1756, transmitting:—
Minutes of Council, the 1st of October, 1755, relating to the Attorney General of Barbados.
Minute of Council of the 21st of January, 1756, relating to Judge Fairchild.
Minute of Council of the 27th of January, 1756, relating to Judge Fairchild.

Their lordships took the said letter and papers into consideration, and also Mr. Fox's letter, mentioned in the minutes of the 24th instant, and after some time spent therein,

Ordered, that the draught of a representation to his Majesty be prepared, proposing that an order may be sent to the Governor of Barbados to remove Mr. Fairchild from his office of Chief Judge of the Court of Common Pleas established for the precinct of St. Michael.

Ordered, that the Secretary do transmit to the Secretary to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury an extract of so much of Mr. Weekes's letter as relates to the conduct of Mr. Fairchild as casual Receiver of the Island of Barbados.